Empowering Parents Through Early Autism Awareness at Pune Kids Festival

At the bustling Pune Kids Festival (Balotsav 2025), amid laughter, games, and colourful activities, a quiet yet impactful initiative was helping parents look more closely at their child’s developmental journey.

Avyan Idris Foundation, a Pune-based organisation committed to inclusion and early childhood development, conducted an autism awareness and free early screening outreach at Sarasbaug from December 11 to 14. The initiative, organised in partnership with PMC Care, focused on parents of toddlers aged 2 to 3 years — a crucial phase for early developmental identification.

Rather than overwhelming parents with medical jargon or diagnoses, the Foundation adopted a gentle, step-by-step engagement model. Parents were first introduced to normal developmental milestones and then guided toward understanding early neuro-developmental delays through personalised one-on-one conversations.

This thoughtful approach encouraged curiosity, dialogue, and trust. As discussions progressed, parents were introduced to a free online autism screening checklist based on the M-CHAT framework — a globally recognised tool used for early risk identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“Our focus is awareness, not labels,” said Sudhanshu Kumar, CEO of Avyan Idris Foundation.

“When parents are supported with the right information in a non-judgemental environment, they feel confident and empowered to take timely action for their child’s well-being.”

The initiative resonated strongly with families attending the festival, especially during the final two days, which witnessed heavy footfall. Many parents appreciated the safe space created for asking questions and understanding developmental concerns without fear or stigma.

Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, the Foundation’s efforts highlight the growing importance of early identification, inclusive practices, and community-based support systems.

Looking ahead, Avyan Idris Foundation plans to extend similar awareness and early screening programmes across Pune and other parts of Maharashtra, working closely with parents, schools, healthcare professionals, and local bodies to ensure early support reaches those who need it most.